Private tour of Inverness (customisable)

Explore the Highland capital of Inverness with a flexible, private tour that offers a personalized experience for up to three guests. Priced at $857.23 per group, this approximately 8-hour journey provides hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel, port, or station, making it a convenient option for small groups. Led by a knowledgeable driver-guide, the tour combines scenic drives with visits to famed sites such as Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Inverness Cathedral, all while offering insight into the area’s fascinating history. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a tailored Highland experience with an emphasis on iconic sights, captivating stories, and stunning vistas. While the tour is customizable and highly praised for its guides, it is best suited for those who enjoy comfortable transportation and engaging commentary in a small group setting.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour for up to 3 people at $857.23
• Approximately 8 hours of exploration, including iconic sites and scenic drives
• Hassle-free hotel, port, or station pickup and drop-off
• Led by an experienced driver-guide providing live commentary
• Visits to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the hill of Saint Columba’s pilgrimage
• Perfect for travelers valuing personalized experiences and private transportation

The Private Highland Tour Starts with Ease

This private tour of Inverness begins at 9:00 am with a pickup from your hotel, port, or local station. The tour is designed for small groups of up to three people, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience. The driver/guide leads the journey, offering live commentary and answering questions along the way, making this an engaging and informative outing. The private vehicle provides flexibility and convenience, allowing the guide to tailor the stops based on your interests. This setup is especially suited for those who prefer a personalized itinerary without the constraints of a larger group.

Visiting Inverness Castle and Cathedral

The tour naturally includes Inverness Castle and the Cathedral, providing an overview of the city’s core. The castle is a prominent historic landmark, while the cathedral showcases the religious architecture of the region. Your guide shares stories about Inverness’s strategic importance, its fortifications, and its role in Scottish history, including its military history dating back to Jacobite times. These sites give a foundational understanding of Inverness as both a vibrant city and a Highland stronghold.

The Hill of Saint Columba and the Pictish King

One of the unique stops is the hill where Saint Columba made a pilgrimage around 550 AD to preach Christianity to the Pictish King, Brude. This location offers a glimpse into early Scottish history and religious transformation. The guide explains the significance of this site and the story of Saint Columba’s missionary work, providing a fascinating context for the historical landscape of the Highlands.

Strategic Significance and Fortifications in Inverness

The tour highlights Inverness’s strategic role due to its proximity to the sea and its historical fortifications. The guide discusses how Oliver Cromwell and subsequent British military forces have maintained garrison posts in the city from Jacobite times to today. This narrative helps travelers understand Inverness’s military history and its importance as a defensive point in the Highlands.

Scenic Drive Past Tomnahurich Hill and the Great Glen

The journey takes you past Tomnahurich Hill, a notable local landmark, then along the route of the Great Glen, a geological fault line that divides the Highlands. This scenic drive offers views of the Glen‘s impressive natural formations and sets the scene for visiting Loch Ness. The guide provides insights into the area’s geology and landscape, enriching the visual experience.

Exploring Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

A highlight of the tour is a visit to Urquhart Castle, a site steeped in history, legend, and monster lore. The castle ruins overlook Loch Ness, offering spectacular views of the famous loch and the surrounding Highlands. Guests can enjoy some Monster Spotting and learn about the castle’s strategic importance over centuries. The guide shares stories of the castle’s past, its role in Scottish conflicts, and the myths of the Loch Ness Monster.

The Caledonian Canal and Geographical Divides

The tour explains the engineering marvel of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the east and west coasts of Scotland, facilitated by the Lochs that line its route. The canal’s construction reveals the impressive effort involved in linking Highland waterways, and the guide discusses its strategic and economic significance. This stop offers both a scenic view and a lesson in Scottish engineering.

Optional Continues North or South

The tour provides an option to continue beyond Urquhart Castle. Guests can choose to return to Inverness via Fort Augustus and the Falls of Foyers, or continue northward from Drumnadrochit over Culnakirk Hill into Beauly, home to a 13th-century Priory. This flexibility allows visitors to customize their experience based on time and interests, whether they wish to explore more of the Loch Ness area or head towards other Highland highlights.

The Tour Includes Expert Guide and Hassle-Free Transport

This private tour includes a professional driver-guide who provides live commentary, making every stop informative and engaging. Transportation by private vehicle ensures comfort and flexibility, with hotel or port pickup and drop-off included. The tour’s design as private and customizable makes it especially appealing to those who value personalized attention and a flexible schedule.

Highly Praised Guides and Flexibility

Feedback emphasizes the expertise and friendliness of guides like Andrew and Michael Kerr, with many reviews highlighting their deep local knowledge and storytelling ability. The guides are praised for their flexibility in accommodating specific interests, whether it’s whisky distilleries, historic sites, or scenic drives. Their passion and professionalism significantly enhance the overall experience.

Practical Considerations and Booking

This tour is typically booked 52 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The $857.23 price covers the entire group of up to three people, making it a rich and intimate experience for small parties. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, offering peace of mind. The tour is most suitable for travelers who appreciate customization, comfort, and expert guidance in exploring the Highlands.

Who Should Choose This Tour

This private, customizable tour suits those who want an intimate experience with detailed storytelling and flexibility. It’s ideal for small groups who prefer tailored itineraries and scenic Highland highlights, especially if visiting Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle is a priority. The tour balances scenic drives with cultural and historical insights, making it perfect for curious travelers and history enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts on the Inverness Private Tour

This private Inverness tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, historic sites, and local stories tailored to your interests. The knowledgeable guides and flexible itinerary are among the most praised features, ensuring a personalized Highland experience. Its inclusion of iconic sites like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the hill of Saint Columba makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a comprehensive yet intimate exploration of the region.

While the $857.23 price may seem high for some, the private nature, expert guidance, and customizability justify the investment for those who value a bespoke Highland adventure. This tour mainly benefits travelers who prefer comfort, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of Highland stories, making it a highly recommended option for small groups and those eager to explore with a personal touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers driver/guide, live commentary, professional guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, private vehicle transportation, and live entertainment during the trip.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes, the tour is customizable, allowing the guide to adapt stops such as continuing to Beauly or returning via Foyers and Fort Augustus.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the tour involves scenic drives and visits to historic sites, which may require walking. It’s best to contact the provider for specific needs.

What locations are included in the tour?
Stops include Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, the hill of Saint Columba, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Tomnahurich Hill, and optional routes through Fort Augustus or Beauly.

Does the tour include food or drink?
Food and drink are not included in the tour price; visitors can purchase at stops as desired.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Hame Tours, known for their expert guides and flexible Highland excursions.

Is it necessary to book far in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 52 days ahead, indicating high demand.

Can I book this tour for more than three people?
No, the price listed covers up to 3 guests; larger groups would need to inquire about additional arrangements.